Beverage machines with a removable module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development and manufacturing of beverage machines using portioned ingredients, such as capsules, are complex and costly, necessitating a rationalization of production and maintenance while offering a range of functions and options for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with movable modules that can be easily inserted and removed, featuring a resilient connection system, allowing for various modules to be used without a front door, and incorporating a master and slave control arrangement for efficient power and ingredient supply, enabling easy maintenance and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beverage machines are designed with multiple functions and beverage delivery capacities, then consumer options and functionality are improved, but development complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage machine is divided into separate functional modules (beverage preparation module, steam module, milk module) that can be independently developed, manufactured, and assembled. Each module has its own connector that interfaces with the docking station, allowing modular development that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single docking station design with standardized connectors can accommodate multiple types of beverage preparation modules. The universal docking station interface allows the same base unit to support various module configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized machine designs and thereby lowering development and manufacturing costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beverage machines are designed with multiple functions and beverage delivery capacities, then consumer options are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the machine into standardized modules, each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific function. This allows parallel manufacturing of modules that are then assembled at the docking station, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to building complete multi-functional machines as single integrated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal docking station design serves as a common platform for multiple module types. This allows the majority of the machine structure and control systems to be standardized and mass-produced, while only the modular components need varied manufacturing, significantly reducing per-unit costs for multi-functional capabilities.
3Reliability
If a resilient connection system is used for module connectors, then positioning adjustment and compensation for play are enabled, but connector structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient connection system uses spring elements that automatically provide positioning adjustment and play compensation through their inherent elastic properties. The system is self-regulating, requiring no external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies the production and maintenance of beverage machines by allowing for easy swapping of modules and efficient power management, reducing costs and enhancing functionality without the need for complex front-door mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
At least one connector of the cooperating module connector and cavity connector has a connection interface device that is resiliently mounted to a connection base device, e.g. by at least one spring elements such as a helicoidal spring and/or a blade spring, to enable a positioning adjustement of the interface device when the module connector and the cavity connector are connected together
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage machine (1) having an external housing (10) and a movable beverage preparation module (20, 30) that is configured to process a beverage and/or a beverage ingredient to be dispensed. The housing (10) has a front opening (10′) and forms a cavity (10″) for housing the module (20, 30). The module (20, 30) is insertable as a unit into an operative position into the cavity (10″) and removable as a unit out of the cavity (10″) via the front opening (10′). The housing (10) has a cavity connector (11) in the cavity (10″) and the module (20, 30) has a module connector that is connected to the cavity connector (11) when the module (20, 30) is located there against while reaching its operative position and that is disconnected from the cavity connector (11) when the module (20,30) is removed from the cavity (10″). At least one (11) of the connectors has a connection interface device (11a) that is resiliently mounted to a connection base device (11b) to enable a positioning adjustment of the interface device (11a) when the module connector and the cavity connector (11) are connected together.